hope EVOLVING TOGETHER
happiest moment HOPE READERS SHARE
Angelia
SHARES WHO SHE IS AND HOW HOPE WAS BORN
Mindfulness for Your Daily Routine
fashion UNDER $100
April Hernadez Castillo reflects on her new memoir
Vol. 16 No. 21 | Spring 2021
ADVERTORIAL
In this issue: spring 2021
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ENLIGHTENED
6 RELATIONSHIPS
It’s a Good Day to Be Happy Smile as you read about some of life’s happiest moments as told by Hope readers
10 BEAUTY
EVOLVED
Royally-good product choices to keep your crown of silver or gray fresh, shiny, and vibrant
Pat Gamble-Moore
My Crown of Silver
12 AN INTERVIEW
Melissa Hibbert Talks A successful career in beauty
8 BEAUTY
13 BEAUTY
Stylish, functional essentials for a revitalized and relaxed getaway
Finding fun, trendy fashion for under $100
Getaway Gear Cover photo by Andrea Smith
Stepping into Spring
16 COMMUNITY
How finding your happiness can be as simple as discovering what you love
18 CAREER
Your Happiness is Up to You Keep everlasting joy in your heart by learning to identify and protect your internal happiness
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IN EVERY ISSUE
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1 TOGETHER
Angie’s Editorial
EVOLVING
4 HELLO GORGEOUS!
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33
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37 42
48 48
22 HOME
33 COVER FEATURE
Creating a functional, inviting, and stylish space that is all YOU
Angelia White-Stone shares a candid conversation of who she is, how Hope was born, and where her journey goes from here
Dare to Break the Rules
23 HOME
3 Ways to a More Organized, Happy Home
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Easy, effective tips to declutter your way to an organized, happy home
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24 FITNESS
Finding Fitness in Friendship Find a buddy and begin realizing fitness and friendship benefits with daily workouts
25 HEALTH
Prioritize Taking Care of Yourself Take care of YOU by focusing on ways to bring mindfulness and self-awareness into your life
It’s Okay to Start Over
ENRICHED
36-38 TASTE
Four Journeys to Deliciousness We share the journey of how four foodies create a lifestyle of easy-to-make, healthy, and delicious meals and desserts
CULTURE & READS
42 TRAVEL
Georgia On My Mind As Told by Ava Roxanne Stritt Exploring the southern beauty of Georgia with a local’s knowledge and a visitor’s curiosity
44 BOOKS
Happiness Can Be Found In A Book Step into spring with stories that will make you laugh, lead you to a path of joy, and simply put a smile on your face
46 ARTS
The Fusion of Arts and Humanity Adapting the arts to life allows many within the Live arts industry to survive the COVID-19 pandemic
48 ENTERTAINMENT Embracing Her Story
This film and television actress shares her story of overcoming adversities, learning to forgive, and finally healing her soul
Social
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Twitter @hopemag Instagram @hopemag Pinterest @hopeforwomenmag TikTok @hopemagazine Facebook hope4women
hope
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EVOLVING TOGETHER
EVOLVING
TOGETHER
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Hello Gorgeous!
life L
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ife is full of ups and downs - it’s a part of everyone’s journey. What makes us happy in one season may not work in another, so it’s vital that we aren’t afraid to start over to find our happiness. You must be willing to go back to the drawing board and readjust when necessary. Being a business owner has truly taught me the importance of resilience and I look forward to sharing more about my journey with you (Angie’s feature, page 33).
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Starting over is exactly what led to Hope Magazine’s amazing rebrand! Yes, we are so excited to share our fresh new look and stories with you! Our mission is to create content that helps you grow into the best and happiest version of yourself - so we have worked hard to make the spring issue one that pops of beautiful colors, is chocked full of inspiring stories, and beckons you into relatable stories about women and their journeys. PNC Executive Pat Gamble-Moore shares how volunteer service led her to find internal happiness (page 16) while Tamika Stembridge Esq. provides practical insight to achieving financial freedom (page 21). Happiness comes in many forms, and often it is enjoying life’s simple pleasures - shopping (spring fashion, page 13), good food (“Eats,” page 36), great books (“Reads,” page 44), and working out (“Fitness,” page 24). Finally, we know you’ll find yourself smiling as you learn what makes Hope readers happy (page 6.)
Photo by Rebecca Welch
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Celebrate everything about your journey. The breathtaking, good, bad, and ugly moments. You’re creating something extraordinary.”
As you continue to grow and evolve, accept that it’s ok to start over and refresh - and allow Hope to walk with you on the journey to Find Your Happy! Hugs and love,
Vol. 16 No. 21 | Spring 2021
WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
hope EVOLVING TOGETHER
PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Angelia L. White - Stone EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Knowing that I am safe, healthy, and loved! Being able to make someone laugh or smile makes me happy!
Eldred Jones ART DIRECTOR
Cat Kahnle SENIOR EDITORS
Being surrounded by my loved ones.
Jennifer Chavarria Cheryl McElroy NataLeigh Mosley DEPARTMENT EDITORS
Emily Cunningham (Arts & Entertainment) Ericka Flye (Food & Drink) Leah Goldblatt (Style & Beauty) God, family, friends, Jocelyn Merrill (Health & Fitness) food, nature, music…
VP OF MARKETING
Jamar Subar ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Sheaundra J. Graves MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA
Traveling and experiencing what life has to offer.
Nyjah Jones Kayla Smith Cambryia Whitfield
Sitting down to read a good book.
DIGITAL PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Lanisha Huggin CONTRIBUTORS
Marty Basher, Thresette Briggs, Kristen Miller Hope G. Pace, Ava Roxanne Stritt, Tamika Stembridge Esq., Rita Taylor, Laura Tuzzio, Ollie Stewart, Emily Whitcomb
living my best life!
I’m happy when I’m optimally creative and one with nature. Simple joys, my family, chocolate and 80s music.
Knowing there will always be new books to read.
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My cats, friends, and some good music.
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HOPE MAGAZINE LLC Muncie, Indiana 47307 | www.hopeforwomenmag.com HOPE IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OWNED BY HOPE MAGAZINE LLC COPYRIGHT 2021
EVOLVING
Good music and a game of cards!
It’s a good day to be Happy
Hope readers share some of the happiest moments in their lives.
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My happiest day was the very day I started clapping for myself, everything started shifting in my favor.” -S harell Johnson
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To find your soulmate is truly something rare and to conceive your soulmate is even more out of the ordinary. My daughter is my happiest moment, my best friend and air.” - Kristal McKoy with daughter Teighlor, Faith-centered Life Coach & Military Chaplain
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e happiest day of my life was watching Th my nine-year-old daughter stand confidently in a room with 5,000 women, 200 other professional photographers, and follow her dream to photograph the former President of the United States! Her determination, her belief in herself, and her ability to make it happen inspired me to pursue my purpose.” -A ndrea Harrison, Top Leader/Network Marketer
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The happiest day of my life was when I opened my spa @organictanfaceandbody. After years of saving, I finally had enough money and had built a strong enough client list to open my own facial and tanning salon. I now employ a staff and am living my dream of being a self-made entrepreneur. I have been in business for 10 years, survived a recession, and am now persevering a pandemic. I am so grateful each and every day!” - Lindsey Holder, Small SPA Business & Skincare Expert
I remember sitting on my front porch being a ‘teacher’ to my neighborhood friends. Now, I’m a teacher of educational leaders, teachers, and students globally! This makes me happy.” - Joyce Jamerson, Ed.D, Educational Specialist
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Being able to help others, no matter how big or small the task, makes me extremely happy.” -E lizabeth Rigney
“ The happiest times of my life include the days my three kids were born. Two girls, one boy. Each so different, so beautiful. Their births were the happiest days of my life and they, along with their families, have continued to bring me joy every day of my life.” -S hirley Mathew
What makes me happy is knowing that I am the only me on the
planet, and that makes a huge difference. I am too unique to do anything ordinary, and so the things I contribute to this world will be extraordinarily and originally of my own brilliance.” - Ashley Corrine
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The happiest day of my life is not a day that I can say I remember. I was two days old and was adopted into the most amazing family, and that day my life officially began.” - Hannah Dunbar, High-Ability 3rd Grade Teacher
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One of my happiest days was the day my son married Sunshine in our backyard. Thirty days, two families, and a community - it was a day to remember.” - Barb Norris, Executive Secretary
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The happiest days in my life were when my four children were born. I was blessed with three wonderful boys and finally a beautiful baby girl. So long ago – but each one has grown into loving, amazing adults.” - Debbie Holden
EVOLVING
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e happiest day of my life was the day Th I heard the doctor say I was cancer free!” -C rystal A., Healthcare Compliance Consultant
getaway gear Away The Carry-On in Blush $225 awaytravel.com
From weekend getaways to far-flung destinations, this lightweight and durable carry-on features a polycarbonate shell, TSA approved lock, built-in water-resistant laundry bag, and an interior compression pad to help ensure you can fit everything you need inside.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Essentials Kit $175 drsturm.com
Traveling can take a toll on your skin. Fortunately, many of your favorite brands now offer travel-sized products. This essentials kit offers a cleanser, scrub, mask, serum, cream, and glow drops to revitalize your complexion and help you keep up your routine while on the go. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite in Twilight Blue, $130 (8 GB) or $160 (32 GB) amazon.com
With Kindle’s thin, lightweight design, you can now take as many books as you want on vacation. The available options of 8 GB or 32 GB of storage allows ample space for all your favorites. Best of all, it is waterproof and glare-free, making it perfect on the plane, at the beach, or anywhere your travels may take you.
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Everlane ReNew Transit Weekender $88 everlane.com
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Caring for the environment while being fashionable is easy with this versatile weekender bag. It’s made from recycled plastic bottles and offers a 100% recycled polyester lining. The bag interior offers plenty of room for clothes and toiletries along with a padded laptop sleeve, exterior zipper storage, and a water-resistant finish.
Hydro Flask 32 oz. Wide Mouth in Carnation $45 hydroflask.com
Staying hydrated while traveling is important. This 32 oz. BPA-free, stainless steel bottle is perfect for making sure you are drinking plenty of water. The wide mouth opening allows for fast, easy refills and the TempShield 32 oz. insulation keeps your drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12 hours. Huzi Infinity Travel Pillow in Navy $39 infinitypillow.com
Style meets function with this comfortable, machine washable travel pillow that can be wrapped or twisted to find the perfect amount of support for your needs. Whether you are on a plane, in the car, or at the hotel, finding the right resting position for you is now easier than ever. Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 $380 bose.com
Allow all the sounds around you to disappear with these sleek, comfortable, noise-canceling headphones making it easier to relax with your thoughts, enjoy music, or answer calls. With 11-settings to choose from you can decide how much sound works best for you.
Leah Goldblatt is a beauty and fashion writer with a passion for photography and travel. Follow along her journey traveling with her husband in an RV @lifemoretraveled.
Evolved Evolved Whatever you’re dreaming, let’s bring it to life
inspiring
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stories and ideas to live your best, happiest, and most authentic life.
EVOLVING
TOGETHER
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My Crown of
silver
Condition, hydrate, and embrace your glowing gray and shiny silver locks.
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“ I decided to embrace my gray because I believe it’s a gift. It’s my crown and I love it. I’m crowned in silver.” –Sarah V.
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Nicole Barton Photography Los Angeles, CA
At one time, the idea of going gray would strike fear into the hearts of women, sending them off to the hair salon or down the nearest beauty aisle. Times are changing, and so is the image of gray and silver hair! Women of all ages are now embracing this beautiful, and often overlooked color. Here we share a great selection of shampoos, conditioners, masks, and drops to keep your gray and silver strands healthy, bright, and ready for center stage!
These easy-to-use drops work to correct brassiness. Simply add one to four drops, depending on need, into your styling products and blend in your hand before applying. Infused with prickly pear cactus extract, these drops instantly tone while adding softness and shine.
Redken Color Extend Graydiant Conditioner, $22 amazon.com
This at-home treatment is good for all hair types and uses its patented system to repair the broken bonds of dry, brittle hair from the inside out. Apply to damp, towel-dried hair and in just 10 minutes you are left with soft, shiny, strengthened locks.
Amino acids work to strengthen and smooth your hair with this silver pigmented conditioner. Work through your hair 1-2 times per week and leave for 3-5 mins to neutralize yellow tones, leaving you with beautiful silver and gray hair.
J La Trina “I decided that I would totally embrace my gray hair by the age of 50. I’ve been graying since the age of 12 and I love not having to dye my hair every three weeks.”
Audrey G “ I don’t have to color my hair anymore. My hair is the healthiest it has been in years. It was for me to say that I am done embracing cultural and societal norms around what old age looks like. I am representing the new 57.”
To restore hydration and protect your colored or naturally gray tresses against future damage, work in this weekly treatment of a deep conditioning mask that blends rosehips, argan oil, biotin, and vitamin B5.
Madison Reed Color Reviving Gloss in Crema, $30 madison-reed.com
Eliminate brassiness and revive your gray with this violet, semi-permanent gloss. Infused with argan oil, keratin, and ginseng extract to give you healthy, shiny hair. Use every two to three weeks to brighten and refresh your color.
Laurie A. “ I no longer have to put chemicals on my hair. It was causing a lot of damage and not to mention every 6 weeks at $160.00 was taking its toll. It was then that I decided to embrace my beautiful platinum gray. It has been 4 years since I took the leap.”
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Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector, $28 olaplex.com
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask, $36 briogeohair.com
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Violet pigments in this masque correct dull, yellowed hues while rosemary, lavender flower extract, shea, and murumuru butter soften and hydrate, leaving your gray and silver hair shiny and bright.
IGK Mixed Feelings Leave-In Blonde Toning Drops, $29 igkhair.com
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R+Co Sunset Blvd Blonde Toning Masque, $42 randco.com
An Interview with Melissa Hibbert
After a 14-year corporate marketing career, Melissa Hibbert made the decision to follow her dreams and begin her successful career in beauty. As a Beauty Expert and Brand Consultant, Melissa has positively impacted the industry while also empowering women along the way. Hope recently had the chance to chat with Melissa about beauty products.
Melissa Hibbert
What is a product that you always carry with you? I always carry my Red liquid velvet lipstick. This is my signature color! It’s always with me and I proudly wear it under my mask.
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What beauty trends are you loving right now? I am loving the emphasis on skin! Beautiful skin is in and people are embracing that more and more. There are many new hybrid skincare products on the market makeup with skincare benefits. I’ve seen amazing makeup products including tinted creams, powders, and lipsticks, each formulated to be good for your skin.
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Are there brands that don’t get talked about enough? There are so many brands on the market, particularly in the past year when quarantine sparked creativity. I have had the pleasure of discovering a few brands that I would love to see get more attention: ConditionHer - moisturizer for your intimate area, Canvas Colors Vegan Friendly Lipsticks, Camille Ariane Brows, People of Color Beauty, and my very own, You Matter Beauty Box! Any special makeup tips or tricks to share? 1. Less is more when it comes to foundation. If you have discoloration or dark spots, use a full coverage concealer to cover that dark area only, then use a minimal amount of foundation everywhere else and blend them together.
2. If you have oily skin, a great mattifying primer is your friend. I love the Filtered Effects Blurring Primer from Thrive Causemetics - you apply this just before your makeup for a smooth, shine free appearance. 3. Get into the habit of exfoliating your lips. This is often the most overlooked routine of the skincare process, but lip care is important. Wearing masks cause the lips to be dehydrated, in addition, if you are wearing lipstick under the mask, there is buildup to contend with. You can make you own DIY lip scrub at home using a teaspoon of coconut oil and brown sugar - mix together and rub over your lips including the corners of lips. If you’d rather shop for one, I love The Glowcery Cocunut Crumble Superfood Natural Lip Scrub to revitalize your lips. Has your makeup routine changed now that we’re wearing masks daily? While my makeup routine hasn’t changed much during this era of wearing masks, the frequency of wearing makeup has changed. I am mostly indoors, but I have frequent virtual meetings and events. On days where I have down-time, I will not wear makeup, but instead, focus on my skin. I like going into nature such as to the beach or mountainous hikes here in Los Angeles, so I let my skin breathe, only wearing few coats of mascara and a little bronzer on my forehead. You can learn more about Melissa at melissahibbert.com Z
Jen Chavarria is a freelance writer and graphic designer passionate about promoting low impact living and mental health awareness, along with writing about other topics. In her free-time, you can find her at jenchavarria.com or at Instagram at @jen.chavarria.
Stepping into Spring H&M Camisole Top with Lace $25 hm.com
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Sky-Hi Straight Button-Fly Ripped Jeans $40 oldnavy.gap.com
Mango Decorative Button Sweater in Ecru $80 shop.mango.com
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Draper James Taylor Smocked Dress in Orange Blossom $88 draperjames.com
Keds Jump Kick Leather $55 keds.com
13 J.Crew Tapered Paper-Bag Pant in Cotton Poplin in Bronzed Surplus $88 jcrew.com
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Target VR NYC Zip Closure Crossbody Bag $30 target.com
Aldo Havana in Cognac $80 aldoshoes.com
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BaubleBar Spillo Necklace $68 baublebar.com
ADVERTORIAL
Enlightened Enlightened Discover what’s new for a happy, beautiful you.
brighten
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your world with happiness & style as you continue your journey to a happy, beautiful you.
EVOLVING
TOGETHER
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Discovery Discovery her passion led to finding her happy Volunteering runs deeper than Pat Gamble-Moore’s professional work
Uncover what you love doing and you may just discover your happy
D
iscovering your happy is not something you plan, rather, it is stumbling upon what it is you love. Your happy will capture your attention, you will unknowingly become absorbed, and you will be richer for it.
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“I am a banker at heart,” shares Pat Gamble-Moore, Senior Vice President and Market Manager for PNC’s Community Development Banking in Indiana. “From the day I started my career in banking, there was an expectation for community engagement, outreach, and presence. Volunteering has always been a part of my work.” As Pat continues, it is clear that volunteering runs deeper than just being a work expectation. “Volunteering goes back to my childhood. I was raised in a family where we never knew
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Phtoto by Ally Wise
who was going to show up at the dinner table – including strangers, our house was open.” She fondly recalls, “My childhood taught me about not making judgements. Everyone deserves respect. My dad never met a stranger - I got that from him. That’s how we were raised, and it’s a part of my culture and spirit.”
greeting people coming in for help.” Listening to their heartbreaking stories, Pat became angry with the systems in place. “I heard people answer the question, ‘where did you sleep last night,’ with, ‘I slept in my car’ or ‘I slept on a bench.’ I felt so insignificant at that moment; these people had real problems. That has always stuck with me.”
Pat’s leadership role at PNC helps her develop strategic community relationships and grow community development investments to meet
Such encounters drive Pat’s passion, “What I have learned through volunteering is that life can change at a moment’s notice. People ask, ‘How did this
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Once your happy is captured, you will unknowingly become absorbed, and you will be richer for it.
Everyone has a story to share. And every story is a chance to experience grace in action and lead you to your passion. Once your happy is captured, you will unknowingly become absorbed, and you will be richer for it. Z
Cheryl McElroy is a contributing writer with a passion for storytelling and design. When she is not spending time with her daughter, Cheryl enjoys creative social media posting, home decorating, cheering on sporting events, or simply relaxing with a good cup of coffee.
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Pat Gamble-Moore did not plan her happy, rather, she discovered it doing what she loved. Subtle things were happening when she witnessed her father welcoming strangers, instead of making judgements. She learned everyone deserves respect, no matter their situation. Without realizing it, she was discovering her happy. “My family is important to me. The comfort of food makes me happy. Sharing food brings my family together.” The selfless giving that occurred around her family table led Pat to discover her happy. “To whom much is given. (Luke 12:48) That’s my life philosophy - I believe if you have the capacity to do something, then you’re required to do it. I am happy because every day, I get to do what I love. That is a blessing.”
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While volunteering is an important aspect of her job, it’s personal for Pat, and she has become more selective in opportunities that align with her passions. One of Pat’s favorite volunteer boards is Second Helpings. “I’m a foodie at heart,” jests Pat, “and the idea of changing lives though the power of food, well, this speaks to me.” Pat also serves with Volunteers of America, New Hope of Indiana, and Hamilton County Leadership Academy – these relationships provide her continual understanding of vulnerable populations. “I’ll never forget when I volunteered with Horizon House, I spent a day
happen, how did they become homeless, how did they become drug addicted?’” Her response is humbling, “The sensitivity that I’ve learned – I’ve seen professional, college-educated people become homeless, families that work every single day become homeless, or people who have been very successful struggle with addiction. It’s taught me that it doesn’t matter – life happens to people.” She quiets for a moment, “Volunteering is a passion, because ‘there, but for the grace of God.’ It’s my personal mission.”
EVOLVING
the needs of low to moderate income communities throughout Indiana. Pat has over 25 years of banking, economic development, and philanthropic experience. “This job is a culmination of my experiences. It’s almost too good to be true.” Pat explained, “Banking taught me about sales, management, and customer service – which has served me well. When I moved into non-profit work, I learned about that world.” Pat’s success is a testament to her dedication, work ethic, and intellect while intentionally serving in influential civic roles. “PNC provides a platform that allows me to do this work. I have a unique opportunity and I value that PNC supports employee volunteerism and community engagement. I am able to use my banking skillsets and non-profit understanding to bring the full power of PNC toward stabilizing issues of homelessness, affordable housing, and food insecurity to revitalize communities.”
your happiness is up to you THE TRUTH ABOUT HAPPINESS Happiness. With all that happened in 2020, and what is going on in the world right now, happiness seems to be a fleeting, illusive, emotion.
If you want to increase your happiness, here are two important and sequential things you need to remember.
According to the World Happiness Report, a publication of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, powered by data from the Gallup World Poll, “The years since 2010 have not been good ones for happiness and well-being among Americans. Even as the United States economy improved after the end of the Great Recession in 2009, happiness among adults did not rebound to the higher levels of the 1990s, continuing a slow decline ongoing since at least 2000 in the General Social Survey.” As of the March 2020 report, the United States ranks 18 out of 20 countries for happiness.
Identify YOUR Internal Happiness If you are seeking happiness from external sources such as social media, a job, or a group you are in, you will not find it. These are external sources that you cannot control. They can add to your happiness, but they do not make you happy. At its core, happiness is internal – an inside job. In the biblical song, “I’ve Got The Joy In My Heart,” the first two sentences are, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart. I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart, down in my heart to stay!”
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There are many Americans who are incredibly happy – so, what’s their secret? Is there an explanation to support the research from the World Happiness Report that begs the question, “Why are so many Americans unhappy?” When we focus on being happier in 2021, professionally or personally, the possibility of achieving this happiness is increased by remaining realistic about what is affecting our happiness.
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In just the first two sentences it mentions joy eight times. Eight. Why? Because joy is just that powerful and critical for your happiness! You must have joy in your heart to be happy. There may be periods when we feel sad, but if your unhappiness is persistent, discover the root of it by asking yourself, “What’s really making me unhappy?” Be brutally honest with yourself so you know for sure what to work on inside you.
In 2020, our professional and personal lives became more interconnected. The transition for millions of Americans from the physical workplace to the home workspace has made this more evident. We cannot just check our unhappiness at the proverbial ‘door,’ put on a symbolic ‘mask,’ and get to work. If you are working from home, you may have a toddler, kids doing online schooling, pets afoot, be caring for an elderly parent, or something else that intertwines with your workspace.
Intentionally Protect YOUR Happiness Once you identify your internal happiness, protect it like a diamond. When you spend time and energy identifying your ‘happy’ inside, you cannot just let any person, place, or thing destroy it. It is too valuable! You must nurture and polish it like you would a diamond. If you know you must be around people or in places that tend to chip away at your happiness, do not let them dictate it. Have a protection plan to handle your happiness-destroying triggers.
Happiness is defined by merriam-webster.com as a state of well-being and contentment, or joy. What gives you a state of well-being, contentment, and joy? If you do not know the answer to that question, or if you had to think about it really hard, chances are you really do not know.
Your protection plan is ultimately up to you. Learning more self-awareness to help you respond better to your emotional triggers in the future through leader assessments such as Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is extremely valuable. Z
hope’s happiness guide
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techniques that work effectivley in the moment
1
Force yourself to smile. It may not seem natural if you are angry or upset, but when you smile, you will immediately feel differently.
2
Select a theme song. If you feel you are losing your center of joy, hum this song to yourself. But be mindful not to break out dancing!
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Write down what happened as fast as possible. The key is to be able to reflect on it in your quiet time and consider more techniques to maintain your joy.
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Have faith. We could all use more of this. So, can you be happy? Well, it’s up to you but it takes practice, and intentionality. Wonder what we’ll learn from the March 2021 World Happiness Report.
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EVOLVING
Thresette Briggs SHRM-SCP, DDI, MBA is the Founder & Chief Performance Officer of Performance 3 (P3), a national leadership development firm. P3 is certified as an M/WBE with the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana, and as a WBE/WOSB with the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council.
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Come on readers, we can each find our true joy and happiness!
ADVERTORIAL
ADVERTORIAL
FOR THE
LOVE
OF BLACK FINANCIAL FREEDOM:
IT’S TIME TO INVEST IN YOURSELF
I recently met with my Financial Advisor. During our meeting, I confessed that: I needed to (re)jumpstart my retirement savings due to 1 several career changes with a few financial flat-lines; vision for retirement is “simple,” but my definition 2 of Mysimple tends to involve elements of grand flair;
3 I now have a child and own a home; I love my alma maters, my church, my hometown, 4 and helping ambitious young people; and, My biggest concern was being able to leave my 5 family in better financial position when I die.
For the first time in a long time, I felt relieved to sign my name, jot down my bank information, and spend (well, invest) money on what I LOVE without the guilt of potential morning-after regret. My fellow shoppers understand exactly what I mean. I made a financial decision and took a few simple steps FOR THE LOVE of myself, my future, my family, and my beloved community. And guess what?! It felt sooooo good! So, as we embark on this new month, I challenge you to think about what you can do FOR THE LOVE. It may not be an insurance policy, but maybe you can increase your 401K contributions, add a little extra to your savings account, or open an account for your kids. It may be investing in yourself by taking the all-new dfree® Academy 12-step financial lifestyle course to equip yourself with the tools you need to achieve financial freedom! Our dfree® curriculum, now offered completely online and accessible from virtually anywhere, provides you with strategy, tools and resources for managing debt and credit, building an emergency fund, leaving a legacy, building wealth through investments, and more! Join us in this new blended learning environment to get your financial lives in order. Think about it and learn more at mydfree.org. Z
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Tamika Stembridge, Esq is the executive director of dFree® Global Foundation, an organization dedicated to the wellness of the African-American community.
EVOLVING
TOGETHER
Now, as morbid as that last confession may seem, I was overjoyed when we were able to identify a solution that
would allow me to address all of my personal goals and concerns for less than the cost of my monthly Target/TJ Maxx runs. I even added a policy for my son! Can you say, “generational wealth starts with me!”
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Happy March, folks! In the midst of this very revolutionary period for Black America, I want to challenge you as you start or continue along your Journey to Financial Freedom™ ... to do it “FOR THE LOVE!” dfree® is on the battleground for our financial evolvement as a people, knowing that our social justice is impossible without economic empowerment! So often, we are encouraged to pursue financial wellness for our own well being, but that is only the beginning. Yes, I want to be financially “secure” for my own good, because I’m no good to anyone or anything if I’m no good to myself. However, I get tremendous joy when I think about what I can do for the people and causes that I love once my house is in order.
Dare to break the rules
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AND LET YOUR INNER DESIGN REBEL RULE
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Some rules are just made to be broken, especially design rules! When you turn the decorating rulebook on its head, your space can become more engaging, meaningful, and chock full of unexpectedly positive experiences. To create a space that is personalized, functional, inviting, and stylish - sometimes you must let your inner design rebel rule! Here are decorating ‘faux pas’ that are worth breaking.
consider your color palette. Warm metals such as brass, nickel, and copper pair nicely with warm palette hues of whites, beiges, browns, and taupes. Chrome and silver are cool metals and work well with cool hues such as blues, greens, and grays. Whether working with cool or warm metals, select your favorite metal as the prominent finish in your space and accent with other metal tones. Metals are meant to mixed so have fun and shine!
MATCHING FURNITURE. What fun is that? Ideally, you want a room to “coordinate” but not “match.” Rooms that coordinate have varied textures, prints, materials, and tones that work together to appear balanced and cohesive. A stylish room will feature a diversity of tones, textures, and materials – giving the look that the furnishings have been collected over a period of time and from a variety of places.
BOLD, DARK COLORS. To be bold or not to be bold – that is the question! While white or light color walls may feel the safer choice, there are definite design reasons to go bold. A dark painted wall provides a stunning contrast for white or light-colored décor elements such as bedding, furniture, accent pieces, trim work, and floors. A bold, dark color can make your decorating pieces pop! Surprisingly, dark walls can also make small spaces appear larger. To the human eye, dark objects appear farther away than light objects, consequently, dark walls in a small space create the illusion of distance, making the room appear more spacious without losing the cozy feel. Designing is about creating a space that you love and feel good about. Have some fun and experiment with furniture styles, varied patterns and colors, an assortment of metals, and bold paint colors. Find what speaks to your inner design rebel! You may discover that the more rules you break, the more the space becomes uniquely you. Z
MIXING PATTERNS. Start with a color palette. Color can be used to unify different patterns so that they visually work together. Experiment with monochromatic colors such as blues and greens - or select a patterned print and mix it with one of its woven-in colors. Point being, colors do not have to match, but should exist in relation to that color-family. MIXING METALS. It’s time to dispel the outdated advice that differing metal finishes should not be mixed. Combining silver, gold, brass, bronze, or iron is a great way to add visual interest and depth to a space. Again,
Hope G. Pace is the Owner and Interior Style Designer of So Chic Home Design & Staging, a full-service boutique firm offering interior decorating, redesign, and real estate staging services. Located in Indianapolis, Ind., So Chic’s thoughtful aesthetic for interiors offers high style design solutions that are expertly curated with personality and functionality.
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Ways to a More Organized, Happy Home
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Tackle One Room at a Time
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Organize Closets and Other Storage Areas
Make a realistic list of what you want to accomplish. In addition, make sure you have what you need in terms of supplies before you begin: a vacuum cleaner with extra bags, storage boxes/containers, cleaning products. Being prepared will keep you on task. Decluttering and organizing is a lot of work, but you can make it less overwhelming by tackling one area or room at a time. Choose a day when you have at least two hours available. Be prepared to toss, donate, and sell items. When you decide to keep an item, make sure it is not broken or damaged. If you are sorting clothing, consider whether or not the pieces still fit and if they have been worn within the past couple of years. When working through the medicine cabinet or pantry, check expiration dates. It’s okay if you can’t commit to a full room, you can start smaller with a cabinet, shelf, or drawer.
An organized and decluttered closet is a surefire way to a more organized life! Start by categorizing the shirts. Once pulled together, file them by short sleeved and long sleeved, then match up by color. Next, do the same
with pants and skirts. Now when you pull together an outfit, you can simply look for a shirt by sleeve length and color and then quickly pair with your choice of skirt or pants. If you’re working with a small closet, create more space by building the area up and down. Add storage cubes on top of a shelf. Add a second rod if you need more space to hang clothes. Storage bins to store off-season clothes fit nicely under hanging clothes. For hall closets, using baskets, shelves, or a storage bench to store smaller items such as shoes, mittens, and hats creates an easy plan for daily organization. Adding organization to other areas such as the basement and garage allows you to maximize all available storage spaces. Consider DIY storage organizational systems that you can purchase. These create the perfect place to store your seasonal items, such as decorations, sports equipment, and off-season clothing, as well as things you don’t use every day. Living in a decluttered, organized home is possible when you take advantage of the storage opportunities throughout your house. Utilizing baskets, shelves, and furniture storage pieces makes it easy for your family to maintain order from bedroom to kitchen to mudroom. When everything has a place, a tidy home becomes a happy home! Z
Marty Basher is the improvement and organization expert with Modular Closets, https://www.modularclosets.com/, and regularly contributes on topics of DIY renovations, home design, organization, improvement and more, helping homeowners get the most out of the spaces in their home.
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Have a Plan
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When a tidy home becomes a happy home
FINDING FITNESS
in friendship
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f you are trying to work fitness into your life, you don’t need to do it alone. How about finding motivation from a friend? Our calendars are busy with endless engagements yet making time for physical fitness and friends is also important. Consider changing up your schedule and merging your fitness and friend time – you will both soon see the benefits!
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Hold Each Other Accountable To increase the intensity of your workouts, choose an exercise partner whose fitness goals align with your own. Research from the Journal of Social Sciences found that “individuals attempting to exercise more intensely could benefit by exercising next to someone they perceive to be high fit.” A friend who can make you feel positive and inspire you to keep going is a great means of accountability. Create a Schedule Together There is motivation to remain consistent when someone is counting on you – besides, you don’t leave friends hanging! Creating a schedule together will be important. Plan out the days that work for both of you and decide in advance what exercises you will tackle. Perhaps there is an activity you both
enjoy, or you can check out the abundance of routines offered on YouTube. Remember to encourage each other and share feedback. Consider alternating who selects the weekly workouts – this will keep things fun and fresh. Working Out Together Even When You’re Apart Schedules, as well as distance, can make it difficult to exercise together in-person. Zoom may be the answer! This social networking app is a great way to work out together without being in the same location. Zoom workouts became quite popular during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Visit Zoom.us for tips in planning your optimal virtual workout. YouTube offers a screen sharing option allowing you and your workout buddy to stream YouTube videos during your sweat session. Current favorites include Sydney Cummings, Caroline Girvan, emkfit, and Kyra Pro. Exercise is a great way to elevate your mood and decrease your stress. Surrounding yourself with good people has the same positive impact. Look at your calendar, invite a workout buddy, and make your daily workout fun – you will both enjoy the fitness and friendship benefits! Z
Jocelyn Merrill is an educator and freelance writer-for-hire specializing in guest posts, blogging services, and copywriting. She has a passion for fitness, mental wellness, and education. When she isn’t teaching, writing, or teaching writing, you can find her chasing after her toddler. Find out more at jocelynmerrill.com and justworkingitout.com.
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Yoga
Schedule about ten minutes to practice. All you need is a mat. There are plenty of free beginner-friendly yoga videos online. Yoga with Adriene and Yoga with Kassandra are two popular YouTube accounts. Try doing this right when you wake up or before bed.
To help you get more in touch with yourself while also improving your mental health, we are sharing a few ways to add mindfulness to your daily routine. Z
Jen Chavarria is a freelance writer and graphic designer passionate about promoting low impact living and mental health awareness, along with writing about other topics. In her free-time, you can find her at jenchavarria.com or on Instagram at @jen.chavarria.
A more affordable option to practice journaling is to create journal prompts for yourself, which you can find online. Many people enjoy journaling in the morning before they start their day, while others prefer journaling at bedtime as to reflect on their day.
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Walks
Take a quick walk around your neighborhood or city. Instead of listening to music, listen to the organic sounds around you and take this time to reflect on the day and how you’re feeling. If you do want to listen to something, try a walking meditation podcast.
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Meditation
Apps like Calm and Headspace are great for beginners who want to experience meditating, and there are plenty of free beginner guides online. Many different techniques can be found to positively impact physical and mental health.
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Small Moments
Learn to be fully present each day. Turn off distractions during meals to focus on the food you’re eating, create time to rest and relax, and give your full attention to a single task rather than multi-tasking. Set the goal to be present in each moment so you may better appreciate life. Adding mindfulness to your daily life does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. Find what works for you and your schedule by choosing at least one thing from this list to add into your daily routine. Make 2021 the year of self-care and create an enjoyable life for yourself. You deserve it.
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Daily life has changed for many of us, and it’s okay if you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious. We are all navigating this new world, so don’t feel discouraged if you are still struggling.
Journaling is a popular way to uncover what you are feeling. According to James Pennebaker, professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, journaling is associated with improvements in physical health, mental health, and immune function. Over the years, the popularity of journaling has resulted in notebooks with writing prompts, such as found in the Daily Planner Joy by Paper.
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It’s easy to shift the focus from yourself when you’re focused on other aspects of your life, however, you don’t need much time in your daily routine to add moments of mindfulness.
Journaling
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5 Simple Ways to Add Mindfulness to Your Daily Routine Prioritize taking care of yourself
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ADVERTORIAL
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ADVERTORIAL
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If you or someone you know qualifies, call 211 to learn how you can receive the vaccine.
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ADVERTORIAL
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE
COVID-19 VACCINE
COVID-19 has taken its toll, and we know that certain populations have been more severely impacted, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, heart conditions, and obesity.
it is still being studied in those groups. Pregnant women should consult with their healthcare providers. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine can protect you and the people you love from the disease. It will be available at no cost to you.
Health and social inequities have also put many people from racial and ethnic minority groups at increased risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19.
ABOUT THE CLINICAL TRIALS
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A vaccine is now available, but in limited supply. The Indiana Department of Health is sharing updates on the vaccine at ourshot.in.gov to make sure that the vaccine is prioritized for those who need it most. There are three vaccines available now. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are called mRNA vaccines. They teach our cells how to make a protein—or even just a piece of a protein—that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. This does not change a person’s DNA or cause infertility. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a viral vector vaccine. This does not contain the virus that causes COVID-19 but instead uses a different, harmless virus to deliver a gene that instructs cells to make an antigen that will produce antibodies to COVID-19.
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The vaccine became available so quickly because it builds on work already done over the last decade to prevent other similar viruses. Every vaccine must pass several tests to make sure it is safe and effective before it is released. The vaccine does not contain any live virus, which means it can’t cause COVID-19. Thousands of people from all populations have tested the vaccine. Side effects that were reported by Pfizer include headache (2%) and fatigue (4%). The vaccine is not available for children because
In a clinical vaccine trial, thousands of diverse participants receive specific treatment. Pfizer’s vaccine trials had more than 43,000 participants. Moderna had 30,000 in its phase 3 trial. The researchers determine the safety of the vaccine and how well it works by measuring how the study participants respond. In this case, the outcome was immunity to COVID-19. They also watch for side effects. Each vaccine went through multiple phases of testing before it was released to make sure it was safe and effective. ABOUT THE APPROVAL PROCESS
After all phases of testing are completed, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviews the research and decides whether to authorize the COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. The FDA looks at how well the vaccine works, or its effectiveness, and at reported side effects. After the FDA authorizes use of a vaccine, it is made available only to the groups for which it was approved. Researchers, including the CDC, continue to study the vaccine under real-world conditions and continue to check for safety.
ADVERTORIAL
HERE’S WHAT HOOSIERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE
COVID-19 VACCINE Marion and Eva Mae Wilson Married couple in their 70s Marion and Eva Mae Wilson, both in their late 70s, have three children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and even two great-greatgrandkids. They’ve spent a lifetime raising a family, so it was only fitting that they were sitting together in one of four semi-private vaccine bays at Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis to receive the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Eva Mae was excited to learn that she was eligible to receive the vaccine and hopes to serve as a role model for her children. “I had no hesitancy at all,” she said. “But all of my kids do!” She hopes her children will follow in her footsteps and get the vaccine when they can, especially when they see that their parents didn’t experience any significant side effects.
Although needles don’t bother her, Felicia knows some folks are afraid of them. They just don’t like shots. “But this was not painful at all,” she said. She didn’t want that to be the reason someone doesn’t get the vaccine. “Come find out for yourself,” she said.
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“I put my faith first. I prayed about it,” she said. “God got me over the hump.”
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Felicia Shelby works in a hospital, but she initially was reluctant to get the COVID-19 vaccine because of social media reports about possible side effects. Even though she knew most of what she was seeing was just rumor, the negative chatter made her hesitant to get the vaccine at first. Then she decided to rely on her faith to make a decision.
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Felicia Shelby Eskenazi employee
ADVERTORIAL
Dr. Roland Walker Pediatrician “This vaccine represents hope for me. I can see it in people’s eyes that there is a sense that this is the beginning of the end. Both my parents have had COVID, and it’s a really serious disease. I’ve taken the vaccine and had two doses and I’ve done extremely well, and I feel good about it, so I would encourage people to do the same.”
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Tamatha Hatton Healthcare worker
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“It was very important for me to get the vaccine because I work on the front lines, and important that I protect myself and my family. I’ve already had one dose. I’ll get the second dose, so I’m excited about this. Don’t be afraid – this will protect you, your family and everybody else.”
ADVERTORIAL
CLINIC WALK THROUGH What happens when I arrive to get my vaccine? • When you register, you will get a text message telling you the details of your appointment. • O n the day of your vaccination, go to the site. The main entrance might check to see if you have a fever or other symptoms of COVID before you go to the vaccine clinic. a. A clinic staff member will ask you to verify who you are and make sure your registration is complete. This includes checking documentation that shows your age or employment as proof that you are eligible to receive the vaccine. b. You will be guided to the actual vaccination area. • Y ou will be asked to answer a few questions, such as: how you are feeling today, have you had any other vaccination recently, and do you have your vaccination card from your first COVID dose (if this is your 2nd shot). If you don’t have a card from your first dose, they’ll just create another – it’s not a problem! • Th e vaccinator will ask you if you have any questions, and which arm you prefer the shot to be in. • The vaccinator cleans the area on your arm and gives you the shot. It’s very quick!
• Final reminder: Not everyone will get vaccinated right away, so it is important to continue to protect yourself and others by wearing masks.
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• R eady to go! You are free to leave after 15 minutes. No need to check out with anyone.
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• W hile you’re waiting, sign up for V-safe, a smart-phone based vaccination health checker. You can use your 15 minutes to easily sign up on your phone at vsafe.cdc.gov. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sends short text messages asking how you’re feeling for several days after your shot to make sure you’re doing well.
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• A fter you receive your vaccine, you will go to the waiting area. a. I f this is your first dose, you will go to a scheduler at a computer to make an appointment for your second dose. b. Th en you’ll wait 15 minutes with other people who have also just been vaccinated to make sure you don’t have a reaction to the shot. It’s not common to have a reaction, but you’ll be monitored for a few minutes just to be safe. c. I f this is your second dose, you will go straight to the waiting area for 15 minutes.
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It’s okay to start
over As Hope celebrates its 16th year anniversary, I wanted to host a cover story about a woman with whom our readers could relate. A woman who has encountered struggles yet found success beyond her challenges. Someone who has learned to be resilient, who gives as much as they receive, who inspires, and who has found her happiness.
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I turned to my editorial staff for suggestions. To my surprise, they recommended me. My first reaction was “no.” Hope’s mission is not to talk about myself. My staff pushed back reminding me that Hope IS me. It’s my story of struggle, resilience, inspiration, and finding happiness. I am excited and very proud, that for the first time in Hope’s 16 years of circulation, I AM the feature story for Spring 2021.
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Photo: Andrea Smith MUA; Makeup: Rachel , Hair: Mattie Wallace, Styling: J. Brooks Boutique
Angelia: I fell in love with magazines as a little girl - I had my nose buried in the pages of Essence, Ebony, and Jet. I have always loved creating beautiful things as well as bringing people together. These magazines were an accessory in every black family. But the true idea of designing a magazine? That was about 20 years ago. Hope: So, is that when you created Hope? Angelia: Oh, gosh no! It was just a dream. I was a mother (of four great kids) living in my hometown of Muncie, Indiana. I was married at the time and too busy working check-to-check to focus on my dream. I guess I had the idea of Hope, but I let fear stop my dream. Hope: What was your turning point?
“
living the life I wanted. In time, I started over as a single mom and took a new job – but it wasn’t my dream job. That’s when I started over again a couple of years ago and earned my associate degree from Ivy Tech; I’m now working on my bachelor’s from Ball State. I did all these things because I wanted a life I was in love with. It’s ok to start over – at any time in your life. Hope: Any challenges bringing Hope to life? Angelia: Oh, there were challenges. I received rejection, criticism, and bad advice. I experienced gender and racial bias. I was a Black woman starting a business. I was advised against using my photo because I was a woman of color. I was criticized for reaching beyond my Black readership. I learned you hold your own and be strong. My grandmother and father were watching from above – I needed to make them proud. My mother was cheering me with such love. My kids -
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Hope: Angelia, when did you first start thinking about creating a magazine?
This is my purpose – it was my dream all along.
Angelia: It was 2005, the year I lost my grandmother and my father. I knew I was unhappy - surviving but not really living. And losing two such important people in my life made me realize how short life can be. I began questioning who I was as well as my life purpose. I owed it to them to pursue my dream, even if I was still scared! I had worked at Ball State and then at the Social Security Office. It was good work – but my heart was telling me it was time to find my purpose. In 2006 I jumped in full force and quit my job, which I do not recommend. I had a strong support system, and I borrowed enough money to fund two magazine editions. As I stood there with the first 2006 printed copy in my hands, I was thinking, ‘I created this from literally nothing. This is my purpose – it was my dream all along.’
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Hope: You had no real writing or publishing background. How did you know what to do to succeed?
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Angelia: Well, I didn’t. I was now a magazine publisher who had 7,500 readers, but I had no clue what I was doing. I had enough money for two editions to be printed – but no new money coming in and no plan. Hope: Tell me about your greatest learnings. Angelia: That it’s ok to start over. I once read a quote from Oprah, “The universe talks to you first in a whisper, and then gets louder and louder until you get the message.” I had this dream, but I wasn’t listening to God’s whispers. I did what I thought was expected: I married, had children, worked to provide – but I wasn’t
Chantel, Jaylen, and Jordan – they were watching me as their mom and role model, it was important for them to see me succeed so they would believe in their own dreams and successes. Hope: What’s next in the Hope journey? Angelia: Hope has given me so much. It is in 16 years circulation with over 150,000 readers, and has led me to publishing my first book, “Yes, Sisters.” I’m blessed to pay forward by coaching young writers – and there’s still a need for empowering women through inspiring stories. That was my motivation for rolling out the rebrand – so in a way, I’m starting over yet again. It’s important to surround yourself with people who want you to succeed. 2021 began with building a team – and we are renewing and growing Hope together. This Spring 2021 edition introduces a new look, new stories, and a new future. I am beyond grateful for the readers who are with me year in and year out and I’m so excited to share with them the refreshed Hope. Hope: Any final words you’d like to share with your readers? Angelia: Listen to God’s whispers. Follow your gut as it’s talking to your heart and soul about your dreams. Learn from your decisions, be grateful for your Blessings, and know that it’s ok to start over at any age, and any time during your personal journey. Z
Cheryl McElroy, Senior Editor and contributing writer for Hope. Cheryl has a passion for storytelling and design, and when she is not spending time with her daughter, she enjoys creative social media posting, home decorating, cheering on sporting events, or simply relaxing with a good cup of coffee.family.
Enriched Enriched Bringing joy into your heart – and your kitchen.
healthy
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and easy-to-make recipes along with a sprinkling of sweetness-inspired desserts!
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taste - vegan Gwen Leron Vegan, Gluten-Free delightfuladventures.com
A Vegan Adventure!
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aked vegan chocolate doughnuts, vegan sweet potato pudding (see recipe on page 40), Gwen Leron is taking us on a vegan adventure into her website, DelightfulAdventures.com! It’s filled with easy-to-make vegan gluten-free recipes. There’s a heavy focus on desserts, treats, and snacks, but you’ll also find recipes for breakfast, dinner, and lunches. “With my recipes, I show that if you, or someone you love, has a food allergy or restriction, there’s no reason to miss out on anything,” she said.
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Gwen started eating plant-based several years ago. “I wasn’t having any health issues, but there are things that run in my family that I wanted to do everything I could to avoid,” she said. Gwen later added gluten-free after she was diagnosed with a wheat sensitivity. “At first, I really missed some of the things I ate all my life, but then I learned that anything I missed, I can either make a decent (or even better) version that doesn’t contain any animal products.”
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Gwen has had a love for baking and cooking since she was little. She’s a self-taught baker and cook, and was always drawn to food blogs and pictures. “After admiring food blogs for so long, I jumped into it myself in 2014 and I have never looked back”, she said. On her website, Gwen enjoys teaching readers how to bake vegan gluten-free recipes properly. “It’s not the most intuitive form of baking and it can be tricky when starting out, so I have articles and give lots of tips and tricks in my recipes to make things turn out perfectly, every time,” she said. Her must try-item: My vegan gluten-free chocolate cupcakes . They’re rich, moist, easy, and perfect to make for any celebration. If you’re looking for something savory, my mushroom stew and lentil sloppy joes are also reader favorites.” Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes
taste - gluten free
Glutenfree goodness
Liv G. Gluten-free, Low FODMAP, paleo, dairy free, refined-sugar free, and/or grain free livwelleatwell.com
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una Noodle Casserole, Three Ingredient Lasagna, Chocolate Pomegranate Bites. These are just a few of Liv’s delicious recipes, created to meet your dietary needs. Liv started her website, LivWellEatWell.com, to share all things gluten-free, low FODMAP, paleo, dairy free, refined-sugar free, and/or grain free. This food blogger, based in Chicago, says she’s always open to helping someone find a good recipe or product. “I have had followers send me recipes they loved before changing their diet, and I rewrote the recipes to be healthier and easier on the tummy.”
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Liv knows about tummy troubles. When she was in college, stomach issues took a toll on her. “There wasn’t much I could do eating cafeteria food every day. Once I graduated, I decided it was time to start healing my stomach and putting my body first,” she said. “I met with multiple doctors and nutritionists to determine the best meal plan to keep my symptoms to a minimum.” Liv shares her recipes, product recommendations, and wellness tips. “My education is solely through personal experience. I use what I have learned through diet research and talking with medical professionals and then share with others,” she says. “What works for me may not work for someone else, so I always try to have multiple substitution options for my recipes.” In the beginning, changing her diet left Liv feeling like she couldn’t go out to eat or enjoy food. She learned that with planning, she could still have a good relationship with food. “My website and social media are intended to ease the journey of living with dietary restrictions and/or chronic illness,” Liv said. “Finding safe food options can be tricky, so I create simple and healthy recipes in hopes of helping others. Even if you don’t have dietary restrictions, my recipes are an easy (and yummy) way to bring some healthier foods into your life.” Her must try item: Check out Liv’s Breakfast Tacos recipe on page 40!
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Paleo Pumpkin Donuts
taste - keto Michelle Washington Keto & Low Carb Instagram: keto.anghellic
Keto-Style Creation
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hrimp Cocktail is one of Michelle Washington’s favorite things to order when dining out, so she created a Keto version! “It’s a cold shrimp cocktail with avocado, lime, cilantro, onions, in a spicy tomato juice (see recipe on page 41). It pairs beautifully with low carb chips!” she said.. Michelle creates recipes for low carb & keto meals and desserts at @keto.anghellic on Instagram.
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“I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol in 2016. I was also 100 pounds overweight. I knew that things needed to change, and it all began with changing my eating habits and transitioning to a healthy low carb diet,” she said. Michelle started posting about her diet and weight loss journey on Instagram. “I was overwhelmed by how much support I received from people just like me, trying to get healthy by changing their eating habits,” she said. “I love to cook and experiment with new recipes, and it brings me joy when I see people make the things I’ve created.”
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After her weight loss, she says she thought she could go back to her old eating habits. “That was my biggest mistake! Over the next 2 years, I gained back 90 pounds. Food addiction is something I still struggle with. I came back to Keto, permanently, not only to lose weight, but I also feel my best on a low carb diet.” She now wants to share what she’s learned. “Aside from the countless hours I’ve spent researching Keto and the health benefits of a low-carb diet, I’ve also seen firsthand how it can heal you from the inside out. While I may not be a certified coach, I have helped many people change their eating habits to become healthier!” she said. Along with creating recipes, Michelle also hosts cooking tutorial videos and product recommendations. Her most popular item: “My stuffed burger was a huge hit. It’s a bowl-shaped stuffed burger filled with sautéed veggies, bacon, and cheese.” Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones)
taste - vegetarian Cindy Gordon Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Free vegetarianmamma.com
Meatless Made Easy!
D
elicious, easy-to-make recipes that are glutenfree, vegetarian, and often times vegan - Cindy Gordon has it all at vegetarianmamma.com. “Our recipes are family-friendly with easy-to-find ingredients. We take meatless Monday to a new level!” Cindy develops recipes — the most popular being vegetarian and vegan air fryer. “About 15 years ago, my husband and I decided that we wanted to eat healthier. We wanted to eat more organic foods and incorporate more fruits and vegetables into our daily diet. In turn, we also decided to cut meat from our diets,” she said. Cindy’s background is special education administration/teaching. She has always wanted to educate and teach those who want to learn. The website was started when family and friends didn’t understand the way Cindy and her husband were eating, and they wanted to show everyone just how easy and delicious vegetarian life could be. “People immediately put up a wall when you tell them you are vegetarian or vegan. They are scared that you are going to try to push your ways or beliefs,” she said. “For us, we truly just want to share how easy and delicious vegetarian and vegan food is. It is food that anyone from any type of eating lifestyle can enjoy.”
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Cindy’s must try item: “Tofu Noodle Soup. This is our veg take on an old comfort food classic. This soup is delicious year-round but provides down home comfort during the winter months.” (See recipe on page 41.)
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Ericka Flye is a contributing editor. She’s an Emmy Award-winning journalist and television personality. Her passions involve exploring places, empowering people, and enjoying life. Vegan Beef Stew
eats
GLUTEN AND DAIRY FREE BREAKFAST TACOS By Liv G., livwelleatwell.com 4 eggs 4 corn tortillas 1/4 cup green pepper, chopped 1 tbsp green onion, chopped 1 leaf of kale 1 tbsp salsa A dash of salt, pepper, basil, and cilantro • Clean, chop, and measure green pepper and green onion. Lightly grease frying pan and heat on low. In a small bowl whisk together eggs, green pepper, and spices. Add to frying pan and stir as needed. • Meanwhile, rinse kale and tear into four pieces. The torn kale pieces should be slightly smaller than the tortilla. Warm tortillas for a few seconds on low heat, this will help prevent them from breaking. • Once eggs are fully cooked, take off of heat. Place tortillas on plate and line each with kale. Divide eggs into four servings and put into tortillas. Top with green onion and salsa. Serves 2 • Best eaten right away!
VEGAN SWEET POTATO PUDDING By Gwen Leron, delightfuladventures.com 1 3/4 cup mashed sweet potatoes 3/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk 3 tbsp pure maple syrup SPRING 2021
1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground ginger 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg • Add all ingredients to a food processor and process on low for 15 seconds until all ingredients are combined. Stop, scrape down the sides, and then process on low another 10 seconds. • Place in an airtight container or separate into individual serving bowls and refrigerate until ready to serve or serve immediately. Serve plain or topped with coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
SHRIMP COCKTAIL (Coctel de Camarones) By Michelle Washington, Instagram: keto.anghellic 2 lbs large shrimp 1 medium red onion, diced ½ cucumber, diced 2 stalks of celery, diced 1 jalapeno, diced
TOFU NOODLE SOUP
1 large avocado, diced
By Cindy Gordon, vegetarianmamma.com
12 oz no-sugar added tomato juice
1 tsp poultry seasoning For the Soup: 2 tbsp oil 1 cup onion, diced 2 cups carrot, diced 1 cup celery, diced 8 cups vegetable broth 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp basil 1 tsp poultry seasoning 8 oz pasta fresh parsley for garnish For the Tofu • Press tofu in the tofu press for 10-12 minutes tightening the knobs every 3-4 minutes. • Drain off water. Season with seasoning. • Saute in a medium sized skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Set aside. For the Soup • In a stock pot, warm the oil. •Saute onions for 2-3 minutes. • Add in the diced carrot and celery to the onion mixture. Saute until all vegetables are softened. • Add vegetable broth to stock pot. Bring to a slow boil. • Add pasta to pot, boil for 8 minutes or until pasta is done. • Add cooked tofu and serve.
2 tsp prepared horseradish 2 limes, squeezed Salt (to taste) Hot sauce (to taste) • Chop the red onion, cucumber, celery, jalapeno, and avocado into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. • Chop the cilantro and add half of it to the bowl. Spoon out about half of the can of fire roasted tomatoes with their juices into the bowl. Squeeze the juice of one lime over everything. • For the sauce, in a large jar, combined the tomato juice, the remainder of the can of fire roasted tomatoes, ketchup, horseradish, the remainder of the cilantro, the juice of one lime, salt, and hot sauce. Blend together with an immersion blender. You can also add all of this to a regular blender or food processor. • Add the shrimp to the large bowl with the veggies, then pour over the sauce and stir to combine everything well. Placed the bowl in the refrigerator for an hour to chill before transferring it to individual serving dishes. Serve it alongside homemade low-carb chips. This would also be great served in lettuce cups!
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1 block extra firm tofu
1/2 cup sugar-free ketchup
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1 tbsp oil
15 oz can fire roasted tomatoes
EVOLVING
For the Tofu:
Handful of chopped cilantro, divided
Georgia travel - as told by
ON MY MIND
As Told by Ava Roxanne Stritt
Georgia has been on my mind lately, and in my heart. I lived there for more than two decades. I raised my kids there; I built a life there. I have so many memories of my life in the great state of Georgia, and I still have not grown tired of it.
Today, I live in a bordering state, but “the peach state” continues to call my name. It calls me back, again and again. I feel drawn to return to a place that will always feel like home — only now, from a different perspective. I want to explore Georgia with a local’s knowledge, but a visitor’s curiosity. I recently had the opportunity to do just that. I decided to make a getaway to North Georgia and make Rome (of Georgia, not Italy) my home base for the adventure.
Rome, Georgia mountains
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WHEN IN ROME
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Rome, founded in 1834, has grown into the largest city in Northwest Georgia. It spans seven hills at the confluence of three rivers that magically come together in downtown. The city, tucked in the Appalachian foothills, is bustling with museums, great hiking trails, wildlife, shopping, and interesting attractions, like Cave Spring, a natural limestone cave. Rome is the perfect blend of nature, culture, history, and relaxation, making it the perfect road trip to make with your pups, your BFF, or anyone else you want to make memories with. WHERE TO CALL HOME
The best place to stay in North Georgia is the Barnsley Resort, surrounded by 3,000 acres of land for outdoor
COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG/WIKI/FILE:NORTH_GEORGIA_MOUNTAINS
adventure. Guests can ride horses, go golfing, shooting, hiking, or shopping and dining in the resort’s Englishinspired village. Indeed, this resort is a full vacation destination, in and of itself. Rooms here are as cozy as you can imagine, with private fireplaces and clawfoot bathtubs. The cottage, like the other 90 cottage rooms and suites, has a private porch, where we started the day sipping coffee and listening to the birds singing. Barnsley Resort offers guests all kinds of extras as part of their stay: parking, Wi-Fi, lawn games, access to great trails, canoeing, catch-and-release fishing, S’mores, and access to the Manor House Ruins and Gardens.
FILL UP
The Barnsley Resort has delicious, garden-to-table, on-site restaurants, from a casual beer garden to elegant dining. My favorite place for dinner was the Rice House, located in a 19th-century farmhouse. The ever-rotating, seasonally inspired menu is designed by the resort’s executive chef, Nicolas Lebas. Ingredients come directly from the resort’s own garden, as well as in-season produce and meats from nearby farms. Beyond the resort’s perimeter, the city of Rome also offers many places to dine, making it hard to choose, but with the sun going down and a chill in the air, we decided on the most dog-friendly place downtown. The Harvest Moon Cafe is a charming Southern cafe in a historic building. Best of all, its rooftop bar welcomes dogs. We had the entire enclosed rooftop all to ourselves, while we enjoyed a menu spanning the likes of lobster rolls, shrimp and grits, and healthy salads. WINE DOWN
Little-known fact: Rome is poised to have its own, soonto-open full-scale winery, and we decided to check it out firsthand for ourselves. We arranged a private wine tasting at the Newby Farm and Vineyard. This local winery began with 300 vines in 2014 and has steadily grown, with plans to harvest enough grapes to turn into about 19,000 bottles of wine annually. In addition to local wine, Newby sells locally made honey, syrups, jams, jellies, and more. It is set to open this spring, so add it to your bucket list.
Barnsley Resort Spa
TIME TO UNWIND
No vacation is complete for me without time in the spa. Luckily, the Barnsley Resort is an expert in the field of relaxation, restoration, and wellness. The beautiful, newly updated spa boasts 10 different treatment rooms offering massages, facials, body treatments, and other beauty services. The body treatments stand out for their garden-to-table ingredients: scrubs and wraps crafted with hand-picked herbs and botanicals from the resort’s garden. ADVENTURE AWAITS
Photo: Andrew Rayn Photography
For more information visit www.exploregeorgia.org
Ava Roxanne Stritt loves exploring spas, wellness and unique experiences. As @SpaTravelGal she has turned the average spa day into a wellness adventure. Find her at www.SpaTravelGal.com
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When planning your trip to Rome, make sure to swing by the Welcome Center and Gift Shop. The staff is so helpful and knowledgeable, especially right now in navigating what is open or closed. The Gift Shop features locally made products and art. It’s a fun place to look around and pick up a souvenir to bring home. Z
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IT’S YOUR TURN
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While the city of Rome is rich with hiking trails, you don’t have to venture far from your room to take in nature on two feet. The Barnsley Resort features more than 20 miles of trails right on its property. Rome highlights include other trails such as the Heritage Trail, with jaw-dropping views of the rivers; start at the Town Green and follow it all the way through downtown Rome, if you want. The Mt. Berry Trail, the resort’s newest trail, is a four-mile round trip trek around Berry Campus. I chose to try a “forest yoga” class that left me stress-free for the day!
Book Reviews: Pages of Smiles
happiness
CAN BE FOUND IN A BOOK
Spring is finally here and everything feels new and fresh again. We’re shaking off those winter blues and sometimes a good book is all we need to lift our spirits. One that makes us laugh or helps us to destress, or shows us a better path to getting as much joy out of life as we can. We’ve got a short list to get you ready to step into spring with a smile on your face. Reemerging from our winter selves can be a process. The holidays can take a lot out of us. If winter had you in the doldrums and you’re ready to escape with minimal effort we’re here for you. Clare Pooley’s, The Authenticity Project will gently remind you to embrace a live-in-the-moment attitude. Her fiction novel encourages accepting your authentic, real self. Continuing with uplifting stories we have, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. We follow Eleanor who can be awkward, funny, and tragic (aren’t we all?) in her journey to repair her damaged heart with the help of some unlikely friends. A happy brain makes for a happy you, right? Dean Burnett, who is a neuroscientist wants you to understand happiness on a deeper, more scientific level. Happy Brain: Where Happiness Comes From, and Why will help you to see how your brain actually registers happiness. Now that you’ve got the science behind happiness, let’s talk about love! How to Love Yourself: A guide to building your self-esteem when you don’t know where to start by Lakeysha-Marie Green talks about the importance of managing your expectations and valuing your own self-worth. This Book Is Literally Just Pictures of Cute Animals That Will Make You Feel Better brought to you by Smith Street Books. What else is there to say?
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Comedian, author and blogger, Samantha Irby brings us the funny with, We Are Never Meeting in Real Life. It’s a collection of essays about Irby’s life that she’s sprinkled with her own flavorful dash of comedy. Fair warning, this one does contain adult content and language which may be under-appreciated by some, but not all.
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With all that time spent indoors and online this winter, you may have discovered some new hobbies/interests. In Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, Elizabeth Gilbert provides just the right amount of motivation for any creative person who is battling with fear or lack of inspiration. Read this and get your fresh new ideas out there! Finally we turn to some heavy hitters in the business of finding true joy. The 14th Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu with Douglas Carlton Abrams give us The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World. Learning about being joyful from two of the most well-known spiritual leaders in the world doesn’t seem like too bad of an idea.
Wherever you find yourself on the journey to a happier you, may the pages of these books put a smile on your face. Happy reading! Laura Tuzzio is a student, wife, mother, and writer. She enjoys music, traveling and spending time with her family.
>up next BOOKS AND AUTHORS YOU’LL WANT TO KNOW
Considering there is never a shortage of books to read, the challenge can be deciding which book to pick up next! Prolific, emotional, contemporary, marvelous - just a few of the words that describe the work by the following collection of authors. This selection of books will introduce you to new authors, visit new writings of seasoned authors, and tease you with new releases that you can pre-order before they drop! INTRODUCING NEW AUTHORS: Kiley Reid - This debut novel, Such a Fun Age, tackles issues such as class, money, and race. A black caregiver experiences the vacancies of class separation that are overlooked by her white employer. Daven McQueen – Her debut YA historical fiction, The Invincible Summer of Juniper Jones, is set in the summer of 1955. A biracial boy, previously unconcerned by his race, becomes acutely aware of his skin color while spending the summer with family in Alabama. SEASONED AUTHORS TO CONTINUE FOLLOWING: Emma Dabiri – In this Irish author’s second book, Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture, she explores the culture and history connected to black hair and the symbolic power it still holds. She also has a third title scheduled for early March 2021. Imbolo Mbue – How Beautiful We Were is Mbue’s much anticipated second novel. You’ll discover what happens when an African village is up against an American oil company. Destroyed farmlands, death, and government are all a part of this gripping story. Yaa Gyasi – Transcendent Kingdom, this novel is a follow-up to her best seller, Homegoing. It tells of a family of Ghanaian immigrants and their struggles while living in Alabama. To create this moving story, Gyasi weaves together love, loss, science, and religion.
Jhumpa Lahiri – Whereabouts, the next highly anticipated novel from this Pulitzer Prize winning author. This new novel follows a woman as she struggles between her needs and wants until one day at the sea changes her perspective. Lahiri is already being praised for artistically challenging herself with this new work by writing it first in Italian, and then translating it to English. Due in early May 2021. Laura Tuzzio is a student, wife, mother, and writer. She enjoys music, traveling and spending time with her family.
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Edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain – Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019. In this book, 90 impressive writers individually cover fiveyear periods to compile this 400-year history. Due in early February 2021.
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Bruce D. Perry & Oprah Winfrey – What Happened To You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing. Oprah, you may already know, and Perry, an author and psychiatrist with an impressive resume, collaboratively initiate a conversation about the approach to dealing with trauma. To uncover the best path for healing, they seek to change the question from ‘what’s wrong with you?’ to ‘what happened to you?’. Due in late April 2021.
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PRE-ORDER TODAY:
The Fusion of Arts and Humanity STRUGGLING, ADAPTING, AND SURVIVING
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Photo: Nick Bolton, Unsplash
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Large venues such as Broadway and the West End in London have been dark for almost a year, and that same impact spreads across the Midwest. Since March of 2020, cities and towns across the U.S have faced widespread shutdowns, crippling the Live arts industry. The impact this pandemic has had on art studios, theatres, and concert halls has been unimaginable. For show-business locations such as New York City and Los Angeles, as well as cultural districts in smaller Midwest cities, the shutdown of the arts has been felt hard. Although it seems COVID-19 is killing the arts industry, the theatre community is comprised of spirited and resilient people – and they are surviving this crisis. L.A.-based actress and producer Brooke Curtis put it best, “It’s a strange time to be in a big city.”
As entertainment venues have shut down, the public has become increasingly dependent on alternative artforms – from Nintendo Switches and Netflix to conquering that still-unread stack of books. Brandon Jackson is a NYC writer, stage manager, and production assistant. He believes the public is widely unaware of how hard the industry has been hit, especially as they began to turn towards in-home entertainment games and interests. “Our industry was disregarded in the thick of everything,” he said, citing the difficulties it takes to reopen and reassert the industry’s significance during a health crisis. “It’s frustrating to see others not take this seriously. Art is meant to be shared with the community, and it’ll take a giant communal effort to overcome this.” The industry shutdowns have been devastating but necessary, acknowledged Brooke Curtis, “This [LA] is a city of artists, but artists are survivors, and we will turn the pain into beauty at the first opportunity.” ADAPTING ART TO LIFE
Brandon had reached a point where he was considering a career change as a result of the shutdown crisis. Fortunately, social platforms such as Zoom and Facebook have allowed artists to stay connected. Brandon found a community of other stage managers. This collaborative group is attending remote lectures, virtually networking, and coming together in a way not seen before. The players and the entertainment industry as a whole continue to get creative to stay afloat. Social media is playing a large part in this effort. Success is happening through formal streaming of shows, such as YouTube channel’s The Shows Must Go On! Directors and showrunners are hosting Live Q&A
sessions on Instagram, while actors are taking to the newly-popular TikTok. Social media has allowed artists to expand their skills, creativity and their audiences. “I’ve seen beautiful short films that people have shot on their iPhones from inside their apartments,” said Brooke. “There is a lot of creativity blooming, and social media plays a large role in sharing that.” SURVIVING CRISIS THROUGH ART
Jen Roberts is a musician and former bar and café manager in downtown Indianapolis. For Jen, being an artist is as simple as the passion to create and experience it. On a larger scale, she notes, personal expression and emotional processing is how art brings people together as a “human unit.” “I have two young boys growing up in this community. I want them to have a place they can be part of a like-minded community and be in a safe environment,” she said. “It can be so helpful for them to utilize music and art in that process, as well as sparking passion and talent in the next generation.” Art is embedded in human history, from early cave drawings and tribal oral traditions to modern architecture and dance, pointed out Brandon. “It’s impossible to remove it from humanity.” That fusion between art and humanity is how the arts help people survive trying times. “Art holds a mirror up to society and reflects back both its flaws and its beauty,” said Brooke. “It allows people to escape. It gives them hope … I’ll take that silver lining … we’ll get through this.” Arts in the Face of COVID-19 will be a short series, so look for companion articles online in the weeks to come. Z
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GOING DARK
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Emily Cunningham is a freelance magazine writer with a passion for wildlife conservation, social issues, and artistic pursuits including dance, creative writing, and handmade art.
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Embracing her Story April Hernandez Castillo
reflects on her new memoir
Photo: Jose Zalo Castillo
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April, in preparing to write this memoir, how did you finally convince yourself that your story HM mattered and needed to be shared? There is so much power in sharing one’s story - it’s healing for the soul. I’m a storyteller so, AC writing Embracing Me was just this natural progression in my life as a woman right now. As a survivor of intimate partner violence, how has sharing your harrowing experiences HM helped your own healing process? It’s all about accepting your story and being able to move forward. My husband and I have AC been together for 20 years and he was extremely patient with me in my journey of healing. Did writing about the varied relationships in your life help you gain a better sense of self? HM Of course. I was really able to dive into my relationship with my mother. I felt I was able to AC write from a place of not blaming her, but fully embracing who she could never be as a woman
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[and] as a mother to me. That brings so much peace and allows me to be a better mother to my girls.
How were you able to dismiss the fear of judgment and embrace being fully transparent in your book? HM It takes a lot of courage for someone to be able to say these are all of the things I’ve experienced AC and…I’m [not] ashamed. We are all looking for authenticity and connection now, more than ever. How would you summarize this book? HM The story is about the underdog; it’s about overcoming adversity, [and] forgiveness and I think AC that’s a language [we] all speak.
Readers can order Embracing Me on Amazon.
Laura Tuzzio is a student, wife, mother, and writer. She enjoys music, traveling and spending time with her family.
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Relatable advice from empowering women on beauty, relationships, food, books and more! Tips for living a fulfilled life, evolving and becoming the best version of yourself. HOPE in every issue!
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